June 29
Spent the morning hiking up a mountain near Saranac Lake called Mount Baker. One mile each way. The day was hot again and the climb was steep but the view was well worth it as was the accompanying picnic lunch. For the afternoon we found a beautiful sandy beach on Clear Water Lake where we sunbathed in the sand and swam in the lake. A great lazy way to spend the last day of vacation. Awesome.

June 28
Today we decided to do a kayaking day trip along a string of lakes joining the campground - Kushaqua, Rainbow and Clear lakes. Another hot day, so the cool breeze in the kayak was refreshing. These lakes were joined by some bridges and tunnels so it was neat travelling through these. There were many beautiful cottages and houses along the lakes, all the residents enjoying the summer day, fishing, boating and swimming.

June 27
Ampersand mountain.
Today we decided to do a day hike up this mountain in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. The path traveled for a mile through lovely mossy forest and for the last mile up a gully along a steep mountain slope. At the top we emerged at a bald mountain top with 360 degree views of the lakes and forest below. The views and breeze were well worth the climb.
The swim in the Buck Pond was welcome at the end of this hot day!

June 26
Buck Pond Campground
We found this State campground about 45 minutes north of Lake Placid. It's a beautiful spot situated on two lakes (Kushaqua and Buck) right in the mountains. Campsites are big and because it's a Thursday we feel like we have the whole place to ourselves. Pretty low key day today - set up camp, enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.
Took a kayak trip in the afternoon to a beach on the other side of a Buck Pond, and laid on the sand for a while.
We were the only ones on the whole beach until a family of two parents...